Ranger is Ford's best-selling nameplate, while demand for the all-new Everest continues to drive sales and share gains
Ford today announced its retail sales in Thailand rose 26 percent in the first half of the year, with 18,032 units, driven by continuing strong demand for the Ranger pickup truck, as well as the all-new Everest mid-size SUV.
Although the automotive industry overall dropped slightly by 0.6 percent during in the first half of the year, Ford continued to outpace the industry and increase overall market share, rising to 4.9 percent.
"Our global Ford vehicles, such as Ranger and Everest, continue to connect with consumers nationwide, and are bringing many new-to-Ford customers into our showrooms," said Yukontorn 'Vickie' Wisadkosin, managing director, Ford Thailand. "The combination of smart features, advanced safety technologies and powerful and fuel efficient engines are helping to further strengthen customer appeal for Ford."
Ranger remains the best-selling Ford nameplate in Thailand with second quarter sales that rose to 13,374 units. Ranger continues to outperform the overall pickup truck segment in Thailand, capturing 8.3 percent share, up 31 percent from the first quarter, despite Thailand's pickup truck segment only increasing 2.6 percent.
The all-new Everest also contributed to Ford's strong performance in the first half of the year, with total sales of 3,188 units and a 9.9 percent share of the mid-sized SUV segment.
With its blend of capability, exceptional ride quality and dynamic handling, Everest is a clear leader in the segment and was recognized as the 2015 Thailand Car of the Year by the Thai Automotive Journalists Association.
Ford recently launched the new Focus EcoBoost Turbo equipped with Ford's 1.5L EcoBoost engine, and expects it to give sales another boost in the second half of the year.
The new Focus continues to be packed with smart technologies, including being Ford's first vehicle in Thailand to be equipped with its SYNC 3 in-car connectivity system.
"We expect the new Focus to give our momentum another boost through the second half of the year, as well as the new EcoSport and Fiesta variants with E85 gasohol compatibility," said Yukontorn.
Ford's growth strategy also is being driven by efforts to further enhance the Ford customer experience, as well as the ongoing expansion of its retail footprint with more new Ford dealerships opening in key location across the country.
The most recent addition is the opening of the Ford Jor Charoen Muang Prachuap, the second full-service dealership, in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
"In addition to making the Ford brand more accessible through new dealership locations, we're also further enhancing our customer experience and convenience. This includes extending the operating times of our showrooms in Bangkok and metropolitan areas to seven days a week," explained Yukontorn.